Bay Projects continues tradition of specialized service under new generation

By Anne Udermans - Nov 24, 2016

Port Elizabeth-based contracting company, Bay Projects, entered a new era when renowned local contractor Aldo Tassan, who has been operating from his base in the Bay since the early 70’s, realized his vision of one day passing on the baton to his son, Dino, who took over at the start of 2016.

Before taking over as Bay Projects’ new Managing Director, Dino had spent the past decade working at the national construction company, Power Construction. In late 2015, he decided it was time to return to his roots. With his dad nearing retirement, the opportunity presented itself for a long-awaited business relationship to be reunited.

Bay Projects was established in 1994 while its sister company, Norwood Lawson, dates back to 1978. While Dino heads Bay Projects, Norwood Lawson is led by Ant Daniels, Aldo’s son in-law.

According to Dino, the companies are managed and run as fourth generation contractors that offer a wide range of services - ranging from building, civil, specialized works to artificial sport court grass, to the Port Elizabeth and broader Eastern Cape market.

Both companies are subsidiaries of the Tassan Group of companies, which has grown sustainably in an almost receding climate. With this growth has come the inclusion of a National Artificial Grass Franchise, which is managed by Norwood Lawson.

To date, Bay Projects has been involved in many high profile projects that include work on the new wind farms that have cropped up in the province and delivering upgrades to the Fairview Interchange on Willow Road and Circular Drive, in Port Elizabeth.

Taking over as Managing Director of Bay Projects has provided Dino the opportunity to take the company forward and to grow its footprint in the Eastern Cape.

“Our vision going forward is to grow the company to a sustainable medium multi-faceted construction company operating throughout South Africa,” he describes.

“My focus, since assuming my new position in the business, has been on the implementation of systems, improving quality control and focusing on Health and Safety improvements.”

However, Dino is not just focused on profit margins. With the ever-changing BBBEE requirements and targets, the group decided that to ensure sustainable growth in a competitive environment, it was essential to partner with a group that understands the construction environment, as well as the compliance criteria of broad-based upliftment.

“Early in March 2016, Engeli set up an acquisition deal which saw black-owned NPO, Unity of Africa, acquiring 51% of Bay Projects,” he says.

Our medium term goal, is to operate as a Level 7CE6GB contactor throughout South Africa.

For more information about Bay Projects, call 041 581 0400or visitwww.bayprojects.co.za.Norwood Lawson can be contacted on 041 451 0343.Also contact Dino Tassan on 082 444 5636 or email [email protected] or get in touch with Ant Daniels on 083 320 5115 or email [email protected]